2021 Hyundai Kona engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 21V301000Apr 28, 2021158,493 vehicles
  ENGINE

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

  Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe

   NHTSA complaint #11769182 · source
2. Filed Oct 2, 2026COEngine

   My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.

   NHTSA complaint #11768574 · source
3. Filed Sep 30, 2026OHEngine

   My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. If that happens at 65 mph on a highway, it is a catastrophic safety risk. I am the original owner of 2021 Kona Limited under warranty. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11768190 · source
4. Filed Sep 11, 2026OHEngine

   "The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11…

   NHTSA complaint #11763547 · source
5. Filed Aug 21, 2026ALEngine

   At approximately 100,500 miles, the 2.0L Nu engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure while operating, causing a loss of power and stalling. Failed Component & Availability: The engine block assembly failed internally due to severe low compression (95 psi) across multiple cylinders and intake valve leakage. The original failed engine component was replaced and retained by the servicing dealership's service department during the long-block replacement. Safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11758555 · source
6. Filed Aug 18, 2026WIEngine

   2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were added. Vehicle restarted and was driven home. While idling at home, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to stall again. Vehicle had received an oil change…

   NHTSA complaint #11757800 · source
7. Filed Jul 9, 202685,000 miILEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that several independent mechanics were notified of the failure; however, an appointment was denied due to the absence of illuminated warning lights. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11749283 · source
8. Filed Jun 30, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and starts to roll backwards.

   NHTSA complaint #11747397 · source
9. Filed Jun 27, 2026NEEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding my 2021 Hyundai Kona, which currently has only 88,754 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption along with an ongoing check engine light. The diagnostic trouble codes are P0017 and P0011. In an effort to resolve the issue, I have had both the intake and exhaust VVT components replaced and the oil changed. When the problem persisted, my mechanic advised that Hyundai OEM parts were required. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11746920 · source
10. Filed Apr 22, 2026CAEngineOther / Unknown

    I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Kona in 2023. I own it outright. 2 weeks later my engine seized on the CA 118 in the middle lane & I lost steering & power. I don’t know how I made it to the side w cars doing 80. I was shaking. The dealer refurbished my engine no cost , it was due to the oil consumption problem & the piston ring issues many cars in ‘20 & ‘21 had. I had a Hyundai rep call & offer me $400 to sign off on any future engine issues w this car, & I knew this car was…

    NHTSA complaint #11733095 · source
11. Filed Apr 9, 2026TXBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.

    NHTSA complaint #11730099 · source
12. Filed Apr 6, 202682,000 miWATowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was unaware of the warning lights that were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to…

    NHTSA complaint #11729419 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology